Ephesians 5:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

NIV: This is why it is said: 'Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'

NASB: For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.'

CSB: for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

NLT: for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, 'Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'

KJV: Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

NKJV: Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

Paul concludes his contrast of darkness and light with the statement "anything that becomes visible is light." When sin is exposed (Ephesians 5:13) change can take place and sins can be forgiven. Believers must confess their sins in order to be in fellowship with the Lord (1 John 1:8–9).

Paul then refers to a shared saying with the phrase, "Therefore it says." The following words are often understood as an early hymn or poem known to both Paul and the Ephesian believers. These words may have been known to others, particularly if this letter to the Ephesians was intended for multiple churches. The Greek words translated "sleep" and "dead" share the same rhyming ending. The third phrase ends with the word Christos or Christ to end the hymn. The usage is intended to communicate the concept that when we turn from our sins to the Lord, Christ brings us to life and "shines" on us, again connecting with the theme of light.

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 5/2/2024 8:47:40 PM